The Green Square Stormwater Drain and Water Recycling Plant shows what’s possible when sustainable design is built into urban growth from the start. Located in Sydney’s Green Square precinct, it adopted an innovative approach to stormwater management and water recycling in a densely populated urban area, supporting the needs of a growing community.
Green Square is a large, mixed-use area with homes, businesses, parks, schools, and community facilities. The project aims to support a population of 63,000 residents while promoting environmental sustainability. The plant helps make that growth more sustainable by turning stormwater into a useful resource.
Local Government Procurement (LGP) and the City of Sydney hosted a site visit, providing an in-depth look at the Green Square Stormwater Drain & Water Recycling Plant. The visit was part of a broader initiative to share knowledge and best practices among local councils.
Managing water in a dense urban area is not simple. Demand is high, space is limited, and infrastructure needs to work hard without disrupting daily life.
This project responds to that challenge with a practical solution. It captures rainwater and reuses it for non-drinking water needs such as park irrigation and toilet flushing, helping reduce reliance on potable water.The integration of green spaces and water management systems within the urban landscape enhances the area's livability and environmental footprint.
Presentations from Mufid Noufal and Nicole Webb explained the history of the precinct and the development of the water recycling plant. Guests then toured the plant and saw the system in action. The day also included a guided local tour, which helped connect the technical detail to the real-world outcomes for the community.
The Green Square Stormwater Drain and Recycling Plant is a strong example of how councils can plan for growth without losing sight of sustainability. It brings together water management, urban design, and community benefit in a way that is both practical and forward-looking.
The collaboration between Local Government Procurement, the City of Sydney, and local councils highlights the importance of sharing knowledge, helping other councils to see what can be done, and where procurement can support better outcomes.
Thank you to Mufid Noufal and Nicole Webb for sharing their expertise and supporting knowledge-sharing across local government.
Contact Local Government Procurement to explore how we can support smarter, more sustainable projects with NSW councils.
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